Vanilla sugar cookies

I've read loads of recipes for sugar cookies so was looking forward to making my own. I actually made these initially for a friends baby shower and have just remembered that I have a batch of dough in the freezer which I need to use - (the mixture makes quite a lot of cookies). I cut out templates but next time will probably just use a standard cookie cutter / round. These went down pretty well at the shower
I tried some different toppings - rolled fondant, running icing and a thicker royal icing. Next time I think I might try dipping them in some chocolate !

• 200g unsalted butter , at room temperature

• 150g caster sugar

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 egg

• 300g plain flour , sifted

Preparation and cooking times


Ready in 1 hour

Cream the butter and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer, or use a large bowl with a hand-held electric beater. Beat in the vanilla and egg, then add the flour. Beat until smooth, remove from the bowl bringing the dough together then half and shape into discs. Wrap with clingfilm and chill for about 40 minutes until firm. Heat oven to 180/fan 160C/gas 4.

Dust the work top with flour and roll out one portion of dough to 3mm thick. Cut stars or other shapes with cutters.

Line 2 baking sheets with non-stick baking paper and lift the cookies onto it using a palette knife. Chill for 10 minutes and then bake for 10-12 minutes until just turning golden at the edges. Cool on a baking rack. When cool ice or decorate as desired.